Wellness Words March 2017 Posted on March 17, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Tammy Merendo, RNDirector of Community Education Chronic Disease Self-ManagementAccording to Stanford University, most of us will experience two or more chronic long-term illnesses during our lives. In the event that we don’t, it is still likely that we will provide care to someone that does.Chronic health problems usually come on slowly unlike acute health problems. They can be things like heart disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease, bipolar disorder, emphysema, and many other conditions. These conditions may cause emotional distress, such as frustration, anger, anxiety, or a sense of helplessness.It is important for the person who is suffering from a chronic condition, or the person who is trying to manage a chronic condition, understands the disease. There are often specific skills that are needed to deal with an illness. Some examples of skills that may be used include knowing what medications to take and how to take them, how to use oxygen or equipment like a C-pap machine, or how to check your blood glucose.Finally, Stanford teaches us that people with chronic disease should know that you are not to blame. Chronic diseases are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. You don’t have to handle it alone, in fact you shouldn’t. One of the side effects of chronic illness is a feeling of isolation. Support groups, talking with others on the phone, or even reading an article can be helpful.Remember that you are more than your disease and sometimes illness can be an opportunity. Illnesses may make us slow down, evaluate what is really important, and cause us to shift our priorities. If you suffer from a chronic disease, I encourage you to become more informed on how you can self-manage your condition.Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is taught by trained peer leaders. The program requires some commitment as the classes are 2 ½ hours each and meet weekly for 6 weeks. Participants will learn specific tools to improve their quality of life. If you are a caregiver to someone that suffers from a chronic disease, you are also encouraged to attend this program to improve your quality of care.For more information on this series of classes, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words February 2017 Posted on February 15, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Are You At Risk For Heart Disease?February is National Heart month. According to the National Institutes of Health, every 34 seconds someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack. Women account for nearly half of all heart attack deaths. Over a lifetime, heart disease kills 5 times as many women as breast cancer.But what is a heart attack, exactly? A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is interrupted, usually due to a blood clot blocking blood flow in a coronary artery, one of the vessels that feeds blood to a part of the heart muscle. This blockage causes the heart muscle to be starved of oxygen and nutrients. When damage to part of the cardiac muscle happens, a heart attack occurs.It is no secret that heart attacks can be fatal. However, every year thousands of Americans survive and go on to enjoy their lives. According to the American Heart Association, knowing your risks for heart disease is the first step in taking control of your heart health. Some risk factors can’t be controlled. However, many can.Risks that cannot be controlled include:Age: As we age our risk of heart attack and stroke increases.Genetics: If anyone in your biologic family has had a heart attack your risk of having one is increased.Gender: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both genders. Women tend to have their first heart attack 10 years later than men. However, women are twice as likely as men to die within the first few weeks after a heart attack.Risks that can be controlled include:High Blood Pressure: This is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure can be managed with lifestyle changes such as, weight loss, physical activity and healthy diet. Medication may also be needed.Smoking: Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease. However, your risk is cut in half within a year of not smoking.Lack of Physical Activity: People who get regular exercise decrease their risk of heart disease by 35-40%.Being Overweight: If you are overweight, reducing your weight by just 10-20 pounds can significantly reduce your risks.Poor Diet: A diet high in saturated and trans-fats, sugar and sodium (salt) increase your risk for heart disease significantly. Cutting down on processed foods and reading labels to increase your awareness of these ingredients will help you to reduce your risks.Diabetes: This condition doubles your risk of heart disease. Keeping your glucose levels under control and managing your other risks can help to lower your risks of heart disease and stroke.While heart disease remains a leading cause of death and disability, by becoming aware of and managing your risk factors, you can significantly reduce your chances of heart disease.HealthLink Littauer can assist you in managing these risk factors with numerous low-impact exercise classes, monthly health screenings, stress management programs and activities, smoking cessation, nutrition education, and more. Remember, your heart health is in your hands!For more information, contact the American Heart Association at 518-626-8760 or www.heart.org, or call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words January 2017 Posted on January 16, 2017 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator Preventing The “Tin Man” EffectThe less you move physically the more you lose in health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Like the tin man in the Wizard of Oz, when inactivity becomes a habit we “rust-up” in a sense, slow down and become less vital.As “older model human beings” like myself, we undoubtedly have either experienced or witnessed the tin man effect that often sneaks up on us as we age. The less we move the harder it is to move, and before we know it “bam” (or rather creak, creak). It becomes harder to get up from a chair or bed or in and out of a car.When the tin man effect happens, an oil can won’t fix the ills of our inertia. Negative consequences of our inactivity may include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory conditions, depression and fatigue, among others.The good news is that you don’t need magical instructions or a wizards blessing because it is never too late to “shake off the rust” and return to being active. The following are guidelines for becoming healthier by being active that come from the Academy of Preventive Medicine:Make small activity promises that you can keep … then do them (e.g. I will walk around the block 2X this week or in case of icy sidewalks I will get up and walk around inside with every commercial while I am watching TV).Keep in mind that small activity is always better than no activity!Increase the amount of activity slowly over time.Team up with a friend or family member to support each other and keep moving forward.Keep it feeling fresh by mixing up activities and exploring new options.Balance exercise and other activity with sufficient rest.Be good to yourself and others by praising successes and forgiving mistakes.Don’t give up … you are worth it!As you become more active, you may find you have more energy and that your mood improves. Regular activity will strengthen your bones and muscles and help you to be healthier overall. Whatever you do, don’t give up and hibernate for the winter. Maybe you can get a friend to take a class with you.There are a number of local facilities and groups that offer a variety of classes for all levels of ability and interest such as the Senior Centers and YMCA. HealthLink offers several classes including Tai Chi For Arthritis, Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga and Gypsy Dancing, as well as snowshoe hikes and winter fun days for the outdoor enthusiasts or one who has “cabin fever.”For more information, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words December 2016 Posted on December 13, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health Educator A Healthy Start To A New YearThe holiday season is upon us with its many traditions, often including lots of food and quite a bit of stress. As we look forward to a new year, many of us will make resolutions to get and stay healthier in 2017.The first promises often include changes in diet and upping our exercise. Diet programs and gyms will soon be offering incentives for their programs. However, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), between 15-50% of those who start new programs will give them up during the third week of January through the end of February.It’s not that these people are simply ‘weak-willed.’ According to NIH, the fact is that we often have unrealistic goals and expectations. Those who share their goals with others, and make plans that include accountability, are far more likely to succeed than those whose intents remain private.There are no foods or pills that magically burn fat, and no product will miraculously make you slim and fit while you watch TV or sleep. Some supplements and OTC diet products can actually be harmful to your health.Steer clear of any plans, pills or products that make the following claims:Rapid weight lossSpecific food combinations for healthRigid menusUnlimited quantities or severe restrictions in certain foodsNo need to exerciseIf 2017 is the year you really want to set a routine that will improve your health and fitness, then some of the keys to succeeding include, but are not limited to:Setting realistic goals with a competent professionalMeeting regularly in groups or 1:1 with someone who you will be accountable toLearning to make better choices from a reliable, evidence based programA Sodexo program approved by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, among other national organizations, is called CORE 4 ADULT WEIGHT MANAGEMENT. This program encompasses nutrition education, physical activity, and the role of behavioral therapy in weight management.Nutrition education focuses on the macro and micro nutrients, calorie composition, food portions, fad diets, food preparation, dining out, food labels and shopping tips. The physical activity module addresses the benefits of exercise, fitness components and the basics of planning a personal exercise program. Behavior modification consists of weekly assignments and discussion under the guidance of professionals. A workbook is included which addresses how to listen to your body and overcome overeating, and obsessions with food.There are individual meetings with a dietitian that focus on your personal needs, developing a treatment plan and individual goal setting. Classes meet for an hour once each week for 12 weeks. The program then goes to monthly meetings for a minimum of another 12 weeks, but may be extended as the needs of the group dictate.HealthLink, and Registered Dietitians of Littauer’s Nutritional Services trained in Sodexo’s CORE 4, will be offering this program on Wednesdays beginning January 18, 2017. For more information or to attend this program, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words November 2016 Posted on November 14, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorAlzheimer’s Vs. Typical Age-Related Changes November is Alzheimer’s disease awareness month. According to the National Institute on Aging, there are approximately 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and over 15 million people serve as their caregivers. For reasons that are not clear, about two-thirds of those living with this disease are women and Alzheimer’s is more prevalent in those over 65. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are early warning signs but they are often confused with typical age related changes and not reported to a physician. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the following are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias versus typical age related changes. Alzheimer’s Signs/Symptoms:Repeated poor judgment and decision makingMemory loss that disrupts daily lifeDifficulty completing familiar tasksChallenges in planning and problem solvingMisplacing frequently used things and inability to retrace steps to locate themConfusion with time or placeWithdrawal from normal activitiesNew problems with words in speaking or writingChanges in mood or personalityTypical age related changes may include but are not limited to:Forgetting what day it is but remembering laterMissing a monthly payment occasionallySometimes forgetting which word to useLosing things from time to timeMaking a poor choice once in a whileFeeling weary of social obligations and sometimes staying home It is normal to fear that any of these normal changes means something worse. If you are wondering if you have a problem, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Write down your questions and take a friend or family member with you to discuss your concerns. The Alzheimer’s Association is an excellent resource for information about the disease. They operate a 24/7 Helpline for people seeking information and support. If you call 800-272-3900 you can speak confidently with a care consultant that can help with:Information about the signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementiasFind out about local programs and servicesDecision making support, crisis assistance and education on issues faced every dayGet general information about medications, other treatment options, legal, financial and care decisionsInformation on safety services such as Lifeline and the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program. Safe Return provides assistance when someone with the disease wanders or has a medical emergency.Support and education for caregivers HealthLink, in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association, offers free monthly education programs. This month’s program will be held on November 22 entitled “Alzheimer’s: Managing Behaviors” from 1 to 2 p.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. We also offer monthly support group meetings held on the second Thursday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information or to attend one of these programs, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center at 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
Wellness Words October 2016 Posted on October 11, 2016 by Dakota PikeHealthLink Littauer’sWELLNESS WORDSSubmitted by Carol Tomlinson, RN BSCommunity Health EducatorFall Risks For Seniors: Myths & RealitiesMany people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is they are not! Most falls can be prevented, and YOU have the power to reduce your risk. According to the National Council on Aging, there are a number of myths that prevent many people from being proactive in preventing falls. The following are the most common myths and realities:Myth: “Falling won’t happen to me.”Reality: 1 in 3 older adults fall every yearMyth: Falling is normal as we age.Reality: Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Taking proactive steps to prevent falls can reduce your risk significantly.Myth: Limiting my activity will prevent a fall.Reality: Physical activity will actually improve your strength and range of motion, and help you remain independent.Myth: Staying at home and on one floor reduces my risk of falling.Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Ground level falls are the most common. To reduce your risk you should fix such hazards as clutter, loose throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second hand rail on stairs, and non-slip treads in tubs and on stairs.Myth: At my age muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.Reality: It’s never too late to start exercising. Even if you have been a “couch potato” most of your life, becoming more active now will benefit you in many ways including reducing your risk of falling.Myth: Medications, including over-the-counter medicines, won’t increase fall risk.Reality: Taking any medication can increase fall risk. We all react to medications differently. Be careful when starting any new medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects or interactions for all your meds.Myth: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.Reality: Walking aids will assist you to maintain and even improve your mobility. However, to use these devices safely have a therapist fit the device to you and instruct you in use. Do not use someone else’s device.Myth: I don’t need to have my eyes checked annually.Reality: People with vision problems are twice as likely to fall as those who don’t. For those with extremely low vision there are assistive devices that can help. Ask your ophthalmologist for a referral.Fall prevention is everyone’s responsibility! To learn more, attend a free program on how to “Improve Balance & Prevent Falls” on Tuesday, October 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fulton County YMCA by calling Office For Aging at 736-5650 (transportation available).For more information, call HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120. You can e-mail us at healthlink@nlh.org, see our website at nlh.org, or visit our NEW wellness center on 2 Colonial Court in downtown Johnstown, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. We’re your community health & wellness service of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home.
